England say Sri Lanka tour goes on

CNN -LONDON, England -- England have confirmed that their Test tour of Sri Lanka will proceed as planned despite a suicide bombing in the capital Colombo.

England's 16-man playing squad and support staff left their Colombo hotel on Wednesday morning, less than one hour before the fatal explosion in the southern suburbs of the city.

An elderly disabled woman detonated a device outside the residence of Sri Lanka's welfare minister Douglas Devananda, killing the minister's personal secretary and injuring two security personnel.

An England spokesman said: "We have spoken to the High Commission in light of the bomb.
"There has been no change in the travel advice we have received from them, at this stage, and it has no effect on the tour arrangements.

"We always keep the tour itinerary and security arrangements under review and we won't be complacent during the tour."

Officials in Sri Lanka said the Tamil Tigers separatist group were responsible and confirmed the bomber had died in the blast.

England have traveled to Kandy, the venue of the first of three Tests, but a due to return to Colombo next Thursday.